Xolo Pass

Tijuana Xolos vs Cruz Azul: Tough road to international glory

Xolos host Cruz Azul in first leg of CCL semifinals.

Photo: Club Tijuana

by Jonny Rico

March 31 2014

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TIJUANA - Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente will play their first ever international semifinals as the go up against fellow Liga MX side Cruz Azul in the CONCACAF Champions League (CCL). The winner of the two legged series will face either Toluca or Alajualense in the championship series.

The first leg of the semifinals between Club Tijuana and Cruz Azul is scheduled for Tuesday April 1st at 7:00pm local time at the Estadio Caliente. The match will be televised live on Fox Sports 2 (English) and Univision Deportes Network (Spanish) in the USA. If in Mexico, the game will be televised on Fox Sports.

The Xoloitzcuintles will have to make full use of their home field advantage that has only seen them lose one match in almost a year’s time. Their impressive home form has also allowed the team to be undefeated in all international competitions at home including CCL and Copa Libertadores.

The result that the Xolos get at the Estadio Caliente will have to be an important one since the return leg will be in the Estadio Azul. Tijuana’s away form has not been impressive. Their last league win on the road was back on January 20th of 2013 and their last away win in all competitions came on October 20th of 2013.

"We have to pick up a good advantage here for the second leg" mentioned Tijuana Xolos winger Richard Ruiz "They are the only team (in the Mexican league) that we haven't been able to beat. But hopefully tomorrow that ends."

After Tuesday night's CCL game, Xolos will then prepare to host second place Toluca on Friday night in another crucial match which their Liga MX playoff hopes is relying on.